Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has described Liverpool as his team’s “most difficult” opponent in the UEFA Champions League, following their 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Italian tactician acknowledged the strength of the Premier League giants and credited them for their deserved victory in a fiercely contested encounter.
The match saw Liverpool emerge victorious with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. Ancelotti’s side struggled to break through the relentless Liverpool defense in a game marked by high-intensity play and dramatic moments.
Both Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah missed penalties, adding further intrigue to a thrilling night of European football.
Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort despite the loss. Speaking to Movistar after the game, he admitted that facing Liverpool at Anfield posed a unique challenge.
“It was a difficult match, as we knew it would be,” Ancelotti remarked. “Anfield is the most difficult stadium in Europe to play in, and Liverpool proved once again why they are such a formidable opponent.
”Ancelotti praised his players for their competitive spirit but noted that the turning point came after the penalty, which disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm.
“We competed well until the penalty incident,” he explained. “However, after that, we dropped a bit in level.
It was a moment where we needed to stay sharp, but it affected our momentum.
On the counter-attacks, we could have been more effective and created better opportunities.
”Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ancelotti remained optimistic about his team’s overall performance. “I liked the team’s attitude and effort,” he said. “Competing at this level against Liverpool, the most difficult rival in Europe, is always a challenge.
They played with intensity, and in the end, they deserved to win.
”Liverpool’s victory underlined their ability to perform on the grandest stage, with Mac Allister’s strike showcasing his technical brilliance and Gakpo continuing his impressive form in front of goal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup and address areas of improvement as they prepare for the remainder of their European campaign.
For Ancelotti, the loss serves as a reminder of the high standards required to compete at this level, particularly against a team like Liverpool, renowned for their energy, discipline, and home advantage at Anfield. Both teams are expected to remain contenders in the competition, setting the stage for more dramatic encounters in the future.
